My brother George is my favorite person. We are like peas in a pod. But our mom says George is different from everyone else.

One day I asked our mom, "Mom, what makes George so different from us?" Our mom replied, "Well Fiona, your brother has a special condition that we call Autism. 

What does that mean?

"It means that your brother's brain works in a different way from other people. For example, George doesn't like loud noises, like fireworks." 

"But I love fireworks!" Fiona Yelled.

"I know" said Mom 

"But the loud noises make 

George panic so that's

why we stay inside on 

New Years Eve."

"I don't really care about fireworks anyways." Fiona dismissed. "But I do want to keep learning about George." Fiona said. "Why is that?" Mom asked. "Because he's my favorite person in this world." 

"Okay" mom said. "Well your brother George does not like to be touched." "Really?" Asked Fiona. "Yes, he doesn't even let me hug him! However he does like pressure from things like weighted blankets." Said Mom. "Okay, so I won't ever touch him!" Said Fiona. 

What else mom?

"Why are you so curious Fiona?" Mom asked. Fiona responded, "Because I love my brother, and if he's different, then I want to know."

Okay Sweetie

"So mom, does George play alone a lot because of his autism?" Fiona asked. "Yes sweetie that's a great observation. Most kids who are autistic tend to play alone rather than with other kids." "Oh I see, I like learning all of this stuff about George." Fiona said lovingly. 

"I'm glad you're so interested in learning about your brothers disorder Fiona. I'm sure George would love to know that you are his number one supporter. We should always be there to support him through his ups and downs."